Best probiotics for babies – my recommendations

Keep scrolling through this post and you’ll see I recommend various foods as well as probiotics as the best way to provide baby with beneficial bacteria. But if you’re looking for a quick overview of the supplements I recommend, here you go.

How baby’s gut is colonized

It was once thought that amniotic fluid was sterile, but we now know that it’s not, and it’s your baby’s first introduction to bacterial colonization. The kind of bacteria in the amniotic fluid is influenced by mom’s gut and oral flora. During a vaginal birth, baby is further colonized by bacteria in mom’s birth canal (during a cesarean birth, baby is often colonized by mom’s skin).

In a perfect world, moms would have great flora to pass onto their babies. In reality, many women don’t have optimal microbiomes, and this affects their children. Our gut flora was colonized by our mother’s and hers by her mother’s and so on.

Over the last century, we have been subjected to antibiotics, GMOs, sugary/starchy diets, and lots of processed foods—all of which can degrade gut flora. Many of us come from a long line of bad gut health. 🙁

So if you, your mom, or even your grandmother ever took antibiotics, ate lots of processed foods, or weren’t eating enough fermented foods, you may have passed along a less-than-optimal microbiome to your baby. Which is why probiotics for infants are so important.

How does gut bacteria affect health?

As Hippocrates says, “All disease begins in the gut.” An imbalanced gut microbiome can cause:

✔ Digestive issues

Without the proper balance of gut bacteria, baby may have colic, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, or develop more serious digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s Disease. A study found that fecal transplant in adults (placing a bit of “healthy” poo into the colon of an unhealthy person) cured 91-93% of patients with C. difficile. This supports the idea that good gut flora can treat and prevent digestive issues—and why we may want to use probiotics for infants.

✔ Immune system issues

Eighty percent of our immune system resides in our gut, so it makes sense that sub-optimal gut flora would cause an ill-functioning immune system. When gut bacteria isn’t optimal, baby’s immune system is not going to be optimal. That means baby will be more likely to catch colds, flus, and other illnesses. We can ward off some of these issues with the use of probiotics for babies.

✔ Mood

There is a large pool of data supporting the gut-brain connection. In fact, 80-90 percent of the serotonin (the feel-good hormone) and dopamine (a neurotransmitter that helps regulate the brain’s pleasure center) in our bodies is made in our gut.

One study found that certain probiotic species reduce anxiety and depression, increase dopamine and serotonin production, and work better than conventional drugs at reducing stress-induced anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. They also work to lower cortisol and restore serotonin levels to normal.

Another study found that different gut bacteria can actually change a mouse from timid to bold and vice versa. Further, researchers found that if corrected early enough, good bacteria could help reverse the mouse pup’s anxiety; but if they were weaned by the time they got the good bacteria, they continued to have high levels of anxiety. Of course, mouse trials don’t directly correlate to humans, but the results are interesting and support what we do know about baby’s gut flora needs.

✔ Weight problems

Probiotics for infants may even impact your baby’s weight. (Strange as it sounds!) One study found that mice with a TLR5 deficiency (a protein that keeps gut flora balanced) had excessive weight gain, insulin resistance, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. What was really interesting is that the researchers transplanted some fecal matter from the overweight mice to skinny mice and the skinny mice started eating more, gaining weight, and eventually developed the metabolic issues of the TLR5 deficient mice. Long story short, the weight and metabolic issues of these mice were a direct result of bad gut bacteria.

Another study transplanted feces from overweight humans to mice and the same reaction happened, the mice became overweight. Interestingly, the mice who were given human feces from a thin human (who was the overweight human’s twin!) did not become overweight. In this study, the mice ate the same diet in the same amounts.

✔ Skin issues

I know many moms who used probiotics for babies to help alleviate many skin conditions. Countless studies have proven a correlation between acne and other conditions like depression, anxiety, and digestive issues. Acne patients have been shown to have considerably more leaky gut issues and inflammation than those without acne. Another study found that suboptimal gut flora also contributed to the skin being less efficient as a protective organ and more susceptible to inflammation and infection.

Baby’s skin is particularly sensitive to rashes, eczema, etc. and some sources say that baby skin issues like baby eczema, cradle cap, and baby acne are caused by imbalanced gut flora. Studies suggest supplementing with with L. rhamnosus, L. paracasei , and B. longum while pregnant and nursing can significantly reduce the risk of eczema in infants.

How to give probiotics to infants

We now know how important gut health is for overall health for baby (and adults), but how do we make sure baby has healthy gut flora? There are a few ways you can provide probiotics for infants:

Probiotics for infants: Breastfeed

Breastfeeding is the best way to keep baby’s gut lining intact and healthy. Your milk will supply baby with probiotics and immunoglobin A (IgA), which helps seal the gut lining. You want to be sure that you’re also consuming probiotic rich foods like kefir, raw sauerkraut and pickles, yogurt, miso, etc. This will help enrich your own bacterial balance, which will help your milk and baby.

If you can’t or don’t want to breastfeed, there are formula options that can still help keep baby’s gut healthy.

Probiotics for infants: Fermented foods

I believe food is the best route to go to boost your good bacteria, especially with young children with delicate systems.

Obviously, we can’t give babies true solids until around 6 months old, but we can give them one food at a very young age. Breast milk yogurt. (I know it sounds weird, but stick with me…)

I discovered this accidentally. Because Paloma had a case of silent reflux at just 6 weeks old, I fed her probiotics each day. I would pump an ounce or so of breast milk, mix it with 1/8 tsp. of infant probiotics, and feed it to her with a syringe. One time, I forgot to feed it to her (hello, mama brain!) and the mixture sat overnight on my counter.

The next day, the milk had magically transformed into yogurt! Woah! I talked with my healthcare provider and she said it would be a safe to feed to my baby. It was also much easier to give to Paloma than a liquid with a syringe. I believe the probiotics are more “activated” in this yogurt form and more predigested for baby to absorb better. Of course, always check with your child’s pediatrician before giving to your child.

That aside, when baby is old enough for solids, you can add naturally-fermented foods to his or her diet. I would start with just the juice of these probiotic powerhouses. For example, you could feed baby a teaspoon of sauerkraut or pickle juice with a spoon. You can then start adding in small amounts of kefir or yogurt and go from there. Feeding them early will help baby develop a taste for sour and fermented foods.

Probiotic supplements

Probiotic supplements are a great addition to be sure baby is getting adequate probiotics. Also, if you’re breastfeeding, take probiotics yourself to boost the bacterial flora in your colostrum and breastmilk.

Best probiotics for infants

Researchers of an Australian study found that the best probiotics for infants were ones that included 2-3 strains or species of probiotics (instead of just one), but were cautious about adding any more. They point out that using just a few strains per dose is better than using many strains (at lower concentrations).

Many holistic doctors suggest adding as many different strains as you can, as long as you aren’t “megadosing” your child. Fermented foods contain many different strains and species of probiotics, so it makes sense that a supplement should include many as well. Different strains hang out in different parts of the digestive tract and perform different functions.

Each strain of probiotics can be beneficial to your infant, but here are the top three to look out for.

1. B. bifidum is one of the first strains to colonize baby’s intestines and adheres to the intestinal wall better than other strains. It continues to be an important bacteria for digestion and nutrient absorption. It may help with infant skin conditions like baby eczema and yeast infections. It may also help with infant digestive issues such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), IBS, constipation, diarrhea, and even lung infections.

2. B. infantis is the strain that is most prevalent and powerful in infants and declines as we age. In fact, a new (and alarming) study shows that this strain may be going extinct in the Western world. This is a huge issue, as it crowds out pathogenic bacteria and helps with overall health and digestion. One review found that B. Infantis can reduce inflammation and support immune function. You can find a single B. Infantis probiotic here.

3. L. reuteri is a strain that has been found to have many benefits for young children and infants. One study found that children ages 6 months to 3 years who took supplemental L. rheuteri had nearly one third fewer cases of diarrhea and half as many respiratory infections. Another study suggests that L. rheuteri is an excellent treatment for colic. It was also found to reduce the levels of bacteria that cause tooth decay! Read more about the benefits of L. reuteri here.

In addition to these 3 super strains, it’s important to get a variety of other strains as well to round out the microbiome. In our research, there were only a few brands that made the cut for quality and variety of strains (more below).

How to give probiotics to infants

The best probiotics for your baby are liquid or powdered probiotics.

Liquid probiotics

Liquid probiotics can be given to baby in a little breast milk or formula or directly into baby’s mouth. This way baby is not getting any additional water (which can cause an imbalance in his or her electrolytes).

Always, always, always talk to your pediatrician before giving baby any supplement. Also, always start slow with probiotics and watch for any bowel or behavior changes.

Powder Probiotics

Powdered probiotics can be mixed into a little breastmilk or formula, or you can put onto your breasts directly as I cover in my sore nipples remedy. When baby is eating solids, these probiotics for infants can be mixed into baby’s water cup or into her food.

Bottom line on probiotics for infants

Imbalanced gut flora can be inherited, and may cause serious health issues in the future. Adding probiotics for infants to baby’s diet, either through food or supplementation, can help your baby have the best possible start.

Giselle Sep 2 at 10:45 pm

Rita Ray Aug 18 at 2:55 pm

I was wondering how long we should give our babies probiotics. My little one has antibiotics pump into him from birth for 2 days. I was not advised on a probiotic but decided to give him this as he had stomach issues. He is now 17 weeks and I haven’t given him any for about 4 weeks now. He seems to be struggling with his tummy again. I guess what I am asking is would he need to supplement for life? When will his own gut bacteria start working?

Brittany Quinn Mills Sep 11 at 7:44 am

Tricia Jul 27 at 10:34 am

Hey Mama – love this post. Thanks for sharing this and all the other great advice. Just wanted to share that I recently learned maltodextrin is bad for the gut and should be avoided. I noticed that the Flora brand had maltodextrin as an extra ingredient so wanted to pass on.

Pam Stevenson Jul 22 at 7:45 pm

Hi Genevieve!
I love this article and recommend it to whomever I run into, thanks!
I got the Probonix for my new born and started giving it to my toddler, he miraculously improved a lot (in just a few days) with food allergies/sensitivities he was having.
Now I was going to re-order and saw one for pregnant women, LoveBug, Labor of Love and thought you could check it out, because it might be helpful for moms to be. I tried to have as many probiotics as possible while pregnant and I think it helped because my third baby is much less sensitive than my older two were.

Pam Stevenson Jul 22 at 7:47 pm

Stephanie W. Jun 22 at 7:29 am

I recently read that one 6oz. serving of fermented kraut has more probiotics than a whole container of probiotic supplements and read the research to back it up. I’m going to save myself the cost from now on be diligent about eating a serving of fermented food with every meal.

qiaraau Apr 11 at 1:10 am

Mothers will surely love reading this article. It mentioned a lot of tips on how to make sure that their baby is taking the proper probiotics. It will be less worries for moms to think of what to give to their child.

Helen Apr 10 at 11:03 pm

Mothers will surely love reading this article. It mentioned a lot of tips on how to make sure that their baby is taking the proper probiotics. It will be less worries for moms to think of what to give to their child.

Nivethani Mar 16 at 1:42 pm

Wow yogurt by using breastmilk, this is brilliant. I always make yogurt at home and I recently had a baby who is a bit colicky so I was unsure of buying a “probiotic drop” from store. Came across your website and your idea of yogurt from breastmilk is amazing. I am definitely gonna try.

BK Mar 6 at 5:37 pm

Hi,
I recently purchased the Probonix liquid probiotics drops for my 5 week old who seems to be having some gas and tummy issues. He also was a c section baby so I want to boost his good bacteria. The Probonix one seemed like the best option out there but then I noticed it has stevia in it. My gut is telling me you shouldn’t give stevia to a tiny baby. Thoughts?

Chelsee Jan 7 at 11:21 am

Hello,
When my daughter was 2 weeks old I began giving her the Gerber probiotic which helped immensely with her colic. I stopped giving them when she was about 12 weeks old because she was no longer having problems. I did not realize at the time the benefits of the strain L. rheuteri so now I wan’t to start her and my toddler on probiotics. Above you mentioned the top 3 strains of probiotics however I can only find probiotics that have either just L. rheuteri or ones that contain B. infantis, B. bifidum and some other strains but no L. rheuteri. The probiotics you listed do not show L. rheuteri. Am I missing something or could L. rheuteri be listed under another name? Thank you for your help.

Renee Jan 18 at 10:58 am

Kortney Torres Dec 12 at 10:27 pm

Hi! My babe is 1 month and seems to be having tummy issues after eating. I just ordered the liquid probiotics but there’s no dosage for babies unfortunately. It says 6 drops for babies over 30LBS, so I’m guessing if my baby is almost 9LBS she’d take1.5 – 2 drops? Just wanted to hear your recommendation 🙂 thank you!

Ruth Martin Dec 4 at 10:17 am

I found your site when I was looking for natural teething remedies for my 6 mo old. I have been giving him probiotics since he was 2 mo old. I looked to see what kind you recommended here. Was happy to see it is the same kind I’ve been using.

Aisha Nov 30 at 8:40 pm

Haley Nov 30 at 4:34 pm

Hi! I’m not seeing the strain L.Rheuteri on the supplement facts of any of the suggested products that are linked in the post. Is it just assumed that its in there or is it listed as something else? Thank you!!

Kenda Neudorf Dec 2 at 2:47 pm

Biogaia Protectis brand has the strain you are looking for. I tried to add a picture but wouldn’t let me so google will bring it up then you know what you’re looking for. Some places you have to ask for it over the counter. Hope that helps!

Andreana Pace Oct 18 at 3:40 pm

Melanie Oct 6 at 11:11 am

Thank you so much for this write up and recommendations! Probiotics at the age of 25 completely changed my life-as it turned out wheat completely ruined my gut biome and I never felt good after eating.
Now I’m doing as much research as possible for my babies I’m expecting soon!

Liliana Valle Delgado Sep 16 at 2:35 pm

Hi, what dosage of the Klaire Labs Infant Probiotics would you recommend for a 3 month old? I’m starting him on this probiotic since he has silent reflux and I’m hoping it will help him. I’ve read that it is a concentrated probiotic so I’m thinking it should be less than 1/4 tsp which is the recommended dosage. Also, should this be given all in at one time or should the dosage be split throughout the day? He is unfortunately taking formula so I’m thinking of putting the powder in his milk. Thanks

Danielle Aug 19 at 5:30 pm

Bmc Aug 13 at 5:40 am

I’ve just recently found out my daughter can not tolerate milk. Advice from health food shop I bought bio kult (advanced multi-strain formula for infants with omega 3 and vitD. I’ve not started her on this yet. But was wondering should I use this an a multivitamin are is there need for both? She is 1 an has a very balanced diet although I don’t want her missing out on anything due to not having her milk intake. Thank you

Yuliya Jul 10 at 8:37 am

Stefani Apr 13 at 7:04 am

Hello there,
I just discovered your website. Really enjoying so far there are a lot of nice topics and articles. I do have a question for you mama natural. Can I start giving my 9months old probiotics?

TK Jul 19 at 7:20 pm

Jaclyn Mar 27 at 10:26 pm

I would like to start introducing probiotics to my 8 month old daughter. I eat them daily through homemade fermented foods and kombucha. I have found a powdered one I would consider giving to her, but I would honestly rather just give her something I’ve made myself at home, in food form (and also save some money). She is primarily breastfed, but is also eating fruits and veggies now. Do you think it’s ok to start giving her sauerkraut juice? What about a little kombucha? Would fermented foods be just as good as a powdered/liquid form?

kate Mar 3 at 10:03 am

Karen Mar 2 at 11:38 pm

How long not do you give probiotics for? Do you give them ongoing continuously or do you give your children a course 3 times a year for instance? I can’t seem to find any advice on this and nothing on the packets/labels. Thank you in advance.

Dana Mar 22 at 9:42 am

Dana Mar 22 at 9:47 am

Also especially if there’s ever a true need for antibiotics. For that I always keep a bottle of Saccharomyces Boulardii (also by Klaire Labs) which is one of the few strains that survive antibiotics. It’s cheaper than buying Florastor at the drugstore (which is what I’ve done in the past when I had an unexpected need for antibiotics). Fortunately we haven’t had to use any antibiotics since we’ve boosted our probiotic and vitamin routine. We also use a chewable ENT/ Dental brand recommended by Mommypotamus, won’t link to it here.

Tp Dec 2 at 9:30 am

Team Mama Natural Dec 2 at 12:59 pm

Heather Nov 25 at 5:09 am

I’ll be starting baby on Klaire’s infant probiotics soon and myself on their adult formula (package arrives today!). I’m hoping to undo the damage caused to my gut flora by a round of antibiotics a week before birth and a calcium-channel blocker (nifedipine) prescribed to treat my gestational hypertension that caused total constipation and likely annihilated my previously great gut health.

In the meantime, my pediatrician suggested holding baby upright in a seated position for five minutes after the morning feed to stimulate the gastrocolic reflex. This practice has really helped jump-start daily pooping for my exclusively breastfed infant who previously went a week or even ten days without pooping. Try it!

Elisa Song, MD is a board-certified pediatrician, wife, and mother of two. As one of the country’s most highly regarded holistic pediatricians, Dr. Song founded Healthy Kids Happy Kids to empower parents to take charge of their kids’ health naturally!

Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in preconception and reproductive health nutrition. She completed her Master’s degree in Nutrition and Public Health at Teachers College, Columbia University.